FIRM1040

Business Details

20 Years

experience

Trusted CPA Services in Montclair, NJ

At FIRM1040, we believe that financial peace is a cornerstone of happiness. For over 16 years, we have provided personalized tax services to mass affluent individuals, power couples, and small businesses, helping them achieve long-term financial security. Our mission is to empower clients through strategic tax planning and resolution, ensuring they retain more of their hard-earned wealth. We combine expertise with a client-first approach, offering transparent solutions tailored to each client's unique goals. With a 90% client retention rate, we pride ourselves on delivering results that foster trust and enduring relationships.

Our team stays ahead of evolving tax laws to identify savings opportunities, protect assets, and simplify complex financial landscapes. Whether you're building wealth or preparing for retirement, we provide the clarity and confidence needed to make informed decisions. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the 6,500+ tax returns we've handled and the $4 million in savings we've secured for clients. We operate with openness, transparency, and integrity, ensuring every interaction reinforces our dedication to your financial well-being.

Services

Tax Preparation Tax Planning Tax Resolution Bookkeeping Payroll Consulting

Details

Year established: 2006

Highlights and features

We offer 16 years of experience in tax expertise for affluent clients.
Our team has secured $4 million in tax savings for clients.
90% client retention rate demonstrates consistent service excellence.
Specialized strategies for tax resolution and intergenerational wealth transfer.
Transparent, holistic solutions aligned with individual financial goals.

What people say

Ultimate in service and quality Complex tax situation Best tax preparation experience Clear process and structure Comprehensive tax return

Website

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Services

Tax Preparation

Our tax preparation service ensures compliance while maximizing deductions and credits. We analyze evolving tax laws to protect clients from overpayment and excessive taxation. With meticulous attention to detail, we deliver organized, error-free returns tailored to each client's financial situation, saving time and reducing stress.

Tax Planning

We implement forward-thinking tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities and preserve wealth across generations. By projecting financial scenarios up to three years ahead, we help clients structure their assets and income streams optimally, ensuring long-term financial stability and intergenerational wealth transfer.

Tax Resolution

Our tax resolution experts negotiate with authorities to resolve back taxes efficiently, often within six months. We protect clients' assets, credit scores, and reputations while developing sustainable plans to address outstanding liabilities without compromising dignity or financial future.

Bookkeeping

We maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records to support informed business decisions. Our systematic bookkeeping ensures organized documentation, seamless collaboration with financial partners, and real-time visibility into cash flow, helping businesses preserve assets and optimize operations.

Consulting

Our consulting service combines accounting expertise with strategic business insight to solve complex challenges. We analyze clients' unique situations to develop customized solutions that improve financial efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and support long-term growth objectives for individuals and businesses.

People

Cherie Williams

Owner, CPA

CPA and founder with 16 years of experience, Cherie leads with transparency and expertise. She specializes in wealth-building strategies for affluent clients while maintaining operational efficiency through personalized service delivery.

Natriesha Bailey-Ferris

Sr. Administrative Assistant

Advocates for clients while managing administrative operations with 10+ years of experience. Ensures seamless client interactions and coordinates team workflows to maintain service excellence standards for new and existing clients.

Andrene Kennedy

Administrative Assistant

Entrepreneurial administrative professional focused on streamlining client onboarding processes. Combines passion and organizational skills to maintain operational efficiency while supporting client experience initiatives with professionalism and attention to detail.

Kezia Israel

Brand Strategy Consultant

MBA-holding brand strategist who develops market-ready messaging for client-focused businesses. Leads Kizkopop creative agency, crafting authentic brand narratives that resonate with target audiences while aligning with financial objectives.

Questions

What services do you offer for small business owners?

We provide comprehensive tax solutions including payroll processing, compliance management, and strategic financial planning tailored to small businesses, ensuring tax efficiency and regulatory compliance while supporting growth objectives.

How do you handle complex multi-state tax situations?

Our team specializes in navigating multi-state tax regulations, optimizing deductions across jurisdictions while maintaining compliance. We've successfully handled complex filings for clients working across state borders, including New York and New Jersey.

What's your approach to intergenerational wealth transfer?

We utilize advanced tax planning strategies to facilitate smooth wealth transfer between generations, minimizing estate taxes through customized gifting strategies, trust structures, and comprehensive inheritance planning.

How do you stay updated on changing tax laws?

Our CPAs maintain continuous education through professional development programs and industry certifications, ensuring we remain current with federal and state tax code changes that impact our clients' financial strategies.

What makes your firm different from online tax services?

Unlike automated platforms, we offer personalized guidance from experienced CPAs who understand your unique financial situation, providing tailored strategies rather than generic solutions for complex wealth management needs.

Reviews (6)

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Lauren Salazar

Jun 22, 2021 Report

From the beginning to the end, she was able to walk me and my husband through everything we needed and helped us understand our taxes. She is perfect for anyone who is either new to taxes, experienced, or just wanting a change. 100% recommend her services.

Marsha Davis

May 31, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
We are highly satisfied with the level of customer service received from FIRM 1040. I would highly recommend the Firm for tax and accounting services. The staff are professional, responsive and offered valuable advice regarding tax planning and accounting.

Felicity M.

May 28, 2021 Report

I had a wonderful, smooth experience with FIRM1040, and I will definitely be working with them again next tax season! Cherie was SO friendly, prompt, and a pleasure to work with. She explained everything about my returns really clearly (I'm definitely someone who looked at my forms and had no idea what was going on). As a bonus, the process was so fast. From start to finish, it took just a little over a week to get my tax return deposited!

Cheri Fermin

May 06, 2021 Report

Cherie was AWESOME!! She was very informative and efficient. She assisted my husband and I on our current individual and business return as well as giving us information on prior tax issues. She also gave us assurance that our information will not be floating around the internet and for that We will refer her to friends, family and associates. I also love the fact she scheduled her appointments with time to answer questions and explain your concerns...

Al H.

May 01, 2021 Report

Overall this was an A+ experience. Cherie and the team at Firm1040 provided a hands on relationship from the time I called to schedule an appointment to the completion of my taxes. The office admin team made sure to gather all of my information and ensure that the initial call was made on time. Once I met Cherie in person for the actual filing process she was thorough but also efficient with time. She asked the right questions and made me feel comfortable to work with her. I highly recommend them for any personal and business taxes.

S. Sumpter

Apr 26, 2021 Report

This is our first time using Firm1040. Cherie Williams is amazing. She returned our calls when we had questions, she is very professional. I Definitely will be using their services in the future.